Sunday, April 20, 2014

NBA salary cap bump potentially big for Celtics offseason

Danny Ainge and Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck spoke about "fireworks" this summer, and with the NBA bumping up their salary cap. Those bold predictions may come true for Boston. This could change the landscape in the NBA this coming summer. Especially with potentail free agents Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony set to try the market.

The NBA has informed teams that it is projecting a rise in the salary cap of nearly $5 million for next season, which could aid clubs such as Chicago and Houston in their attempts to steal free agent-to-be Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks, according to sources familiar with the forecasts.

Sources told ESPN.com that all 30 teams were informed this week via league memorandum that an increase in the cap from this season's $58.6 million to $63.2 million in 2014-15 -- thanks to increased revenues -- is now expected. A corresponding rise in the luxury-tax threshold from $71.7 million to $77 million is also projected, sources said.

The Celtics already have cap space to work with, but the bump allows the Celtics to be more active, and able to trade and to absorb big contracts like Kevin Love.

The Celtics currently have about $49 million in salary on the books for 2014-15. That does not include Boston's two first round draft picks, who will likely make $3.7 million (the 6th pick) and $1.5 million (the 17th pick) next year. That brings the Celts to around $54.2 million in contracts. The Celtics should have $9 million in cap space now after the NBA's salary bump. That allows more wiggle room for Boston, and let's not forget the 10.3 million trade exception from the Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett trade. The ball is in your court Danny Ainge.